Oral health promotion and labour market prospects among socially disadvantaged, unemployed citizens

Abstract

Abstract Background Poor oral health do not only affect individuals' general health and quality of life but can also have a devastating impact on employability. Few studies indicate that poor teeth may constitute a barrier for labour market success in unemployed citizens. This study examines if an oral health promotion (OHP) intervention has an effect on economic self-support (ESS) and proximity to the labour market (PLM) among socially disadvantaged and unemployed citizens. Methods From April to June 2018, we enrolled 273 recipients of cash benefits in a randomised controlled trial. Participants were allocated to either control (n = 159) or intervention (n = 114), which consisted of information and individual help to attend a dentist and apply for dental care subsidy. Ten participants were excluded, leaving 263 participants (intervention n = 110, control n = 153) for analyses. A national register was used to assess ESS and PLM within 1.5 years post intervention. Information on health and socio-demographics were obtained from a questionnaire and national registers. Logistic- and multiple linear regression models were performed. Results Overall, higher frequencies of ESS and PLM was found in the intervention group, although no significant results were seen for ESS alone. Adjusted models revealed significantly higher odds (odds ratio (OR)=1.852, 95% CI 1.084 to 3.166) in the intervention group of achieving PLM after 12 months. After 18 months, the intervention group had on average obtained 5 more weeks (95% CI 0.015 to 9.994) with PLM. Conclusions Overall, the OHP intervention had a positive effect on labour market prospects in the intervention group, especially within the first year of the study. Our findings highlight the potential of oral treatment in social rehabilitation and for reducing inequality. This is relevant for decision-makers, who should consider oral health promotion among socially disadvantaged citizens when allocating resources and providing services. Key messages Receiving information and individual help to attend dental care increased the odds of enhancing labour market prospects among socially disadvantaged unemployed persons. The effect of the OHP intervention was greatest within the first year of the study and facilitated better labour market prospects sooner in the intervention group compared to the control group.